Mounjaro Constipation: 5 Essential Relief Tips

Summary

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is an effective drug in treating patients with type 2 diabetes and is used off-label to manage obesity in overweight individuals. But those who are taking this medication experience constipation in their first few weeks, because one of its effects is slowing down digestion. In this article, we will discuss 5 effective ways to follow to relieve constipation. These include, taking fibre, proper hydration, gentle exercises, and using OTC options, as well as knowing when to consult your doctor.

 

Learning Objectives

• You will understand why Mounjaro may cause constipation.
• Identify constipation symptoms that you need to monitor.
• Know how you can apply the five safe, proven tips that work well for people in the UK.
• Know when it’s time to speak to your doctor.

 

Getting to Know Mounjaro and Its Effect on Digestion

What is Mounjaro?

Mounjaro is a prescription drug approved for managing type 2 diabetes. In the UK, it is widely used off-label for the treatment of obesity or overweight individuals. It is a once-a-week injection that is administered using a pre-filled pen that delivers tirzepatide (a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist), which regulates blood sugar level and increases satiety, as well as manages weight effectively.

 

How GI tract reacts to Mounjaro

Your digestion can slow down once you take Mounjaro because the food you eat is moving slowly through your gut. This can:

• Reduce your bowel motility
• Decreases your stool bulk (because you eat less)
• Increases absorption of water from stool, making it drier and harder.
• Make you feel full or bloated

These are the usual effects that you may experience from taking GLP-1 medications.

 

The Link with Constipation

Constipation is a documented side effect of Mounjaro. Around 2.5% to 9% of users are affected in clinical settings. The good thing is that many people improve their constipation experience after their body has adjusted to the medication and when their dose is stable.

 

Common Constipation Symptoms on Mounjaro

The typical symptoms of taking Mounjaro are listed below:

• Your bowel movements can be less than 3 per week.
• It’s hard to pass your stool because it’s hard and dry, and looks like a pellet.
• You feel bloated and uncomfortable.
• You have too low an appetite.

Some patients end up stopping their medication because of unmanageable symptoms, so in order to prevent this from happening to you, you should know how to properly manage constipation.

 

The 5 Essential Relief Tips

When you start using Mounjaro, one of the most common side effects that you may experience is constipation. But the good thing is that it usually improves after a few weeks because your body has already adjusted to the medication.

Below are the 5 tips that can help you stay comfortable in your first few weeks of taking the medication. So you can be willing to continue without any hesitations and without worrying about the pain of the side effects.

 

Tip 1: Slowly Increasing Your Fibre Intake

The best thing you can do for your gut is increase your fibre intake because it can add bulk to your stool and make them softer. It can also help encourage regular bowel movements. The NHS recommends that adults should take 30g of fibre per week.

Increasing your fibre gradually is the key. If you quickly add fibre to your meal, it will not help a lot because it can make you bloated and feel uncomfortable. What you can do is to add fibre little by little until you reach the recommended amount.

Here are the best UK-friendly fibre sources:

• Oats
• Wholemeal bread
• Berries
• Pears
• Prunes

 

Types of Fibres

• Soluble fibre: This is the type of fibre that dissolves in water and form, a soft, gel-like substance in your gut. It helps soften your stool so it would be easier for them to pass. Oats, beans, and legumes are good sources.
• Insoluble fibre: Unlike soluble fibre, this type doesn’t dissolve in water. But what it can do is to add bulk to your stool and help the food move more quickly through your digestive system. You can find it in whole grains, nuts, seeds, and vegetables.

 

Fibre Supplements

If in case taking fibre-rich food is not enough to help you with digestion, you can try taking supplements, like psyllium husk, Benefibre, or Miralax. But you need to ask your doctor if it is suitable for you or if you are allowed to take them while using Mounjaro.

 

Tip 2: Hydration Is Important

Without the help of water, fibre can’t do its work because they play an important role in your digestion. If you take plenty of water together with fibre, it will help soften your stool and it would make them easy to pass through your digestive system. 2-3 litres of water is the recommended amount you need to drink per day.

Verified Before & After

Verified Before & After

 

How to Stay Hydrated

• During the day, sip water from time to time because drinking a lot at once will not help you.
• Avoid drinking too much caffeinated beverages because it can make you dehydrated, but you can drink herbal teas or natural fruit juices instead.
• Nausea can lead to dehydration and can make constipation worse. To prevent it, you can carry a water bottle with you so you can sip and be hydrated.

While you are adjusting to Mounjaro, make sure that you are properly hydrated. Because if not, your stools can be harder and more difficult to pass.

 

Tip 3: Benefits of Physical Activities

To help stimulate the muscles in your digestive tract, you need to do some physical activities for at least 30 minutes. It will make your bowel movement become regular. You can do it 5 days a week.

 

Simple Ways to Stay Active

• Brisk Walking: You can do this anywhere even without using any equipment for 10-15 minutes. It has a lot of benefits and can improve your digestion.
• Gentle Yoga: You can do this at the comfort of your home, helping your abdomen to loosen up and encourage digestion.
• Light Cycling: This is an effective way to increase the motility of your intestine without a need to make too much effort.

 

Tip 4: Consider Taking Over-The-Counter Medications

Sometimes, following the right diet and exercise while taking Mounjaro are not enough to have good digestion. To provide some relief, you can take mild laxative or stool softener. But be sure your General Practitioner approves it.

 

Safety Tips

• Always consult your GP or pharmacist before taking any medication while you are on Mounjaro.
• Don’t take laxatives as a habit or avoid using strong ones because overusing them can make you dependent on this drug.
• If you are taking docusate sodium, lactulose, or senna, you should be only using them occasionally and not for long-term.

This option can give you relief until your body gets used to the medication. But remember that it is not good for long term use.

 

Tip 5: Consult Your Healthcare Provider

Constipation can improve after your body has adjusted to the medication, but if you are still constipated for several weeks and you are experiencing severe symptoms – pain, vomiting, blood in your stool – you need to consult your doctor as soon as possible.

• Review your dose and schedule.
• Recommend safe remedies that will not affect your treatment.
• Check if there are other causes of your constipation.

 

FAQs

• Is constipation always a side effect of Mounjaro?

No – not everyone gets constipated on Mounjaro. Only about 2-9% of users report it, and most of them usually find their body settles the discomfort after they have adjusted to the medication. This side effect is just temporary and easy to manage.

• How much fibre is allowed to take?

Based on the NHS recommendations, most adults need around 30g of fibre a day. Increase it slowly if you are not used to eating much fibre because if you add too much too quickly it can cause bloating, gas, or tummy discomfort.

• Is it safe to use laxatives while on Mounjaro?

If you are taking Mounjaro, you can definitely take laxatives to relieve constipation as long as you have a go signal from your doctor.

• Can I take Mounjaro if I have gastrointestinal disease?

Taking mounjaro while you have GI disease is not recommended because it can worsen your symptoms and may lead to complications.

• When should I see my doctor?

If your constipation lasts for several weeks and you are experiencing pain and vomiting or there’s blood in your stool, you should call or visit your doctor immediately.

• Do prunes relieve constipation?

Prunes are high in fibre that contains a natural laxative (sorbitol). So, the answer is yes, it can help with your digestion. Most people in the UK loves this because aside from its benefits it is also affordable.

 

Key Takeaway

When you are taking Mounjaro, constipation is one of the frustrating side effects you can experience. But you can manage it effectively by doing some small, consistent steps that can help you while your body is adjusting to the medication. It would be helpful if you increase your fibre gradually and keep yourself hydrated, as well as moving your body regularly. You can also try taking safe over-the-counter medication to help you. But be sure to inform your doctor.